June is over, and we are officially halfway through the year! Instead of doing a standard monthly recap, let’s do a proper half-year check-in. At the start of the year, I set out my “26 in 2026” list to help me stay intentional, and it’s time to see where we stand with the “Savour” theme.
I will admit I had planned on posting this on the official halfway date (July 2nd), but life happened, and here we are two weeks late!
The Great Outdoors (And Why More Daylight Is My New Best Friend)
When it comes to “trail blazing,” I’m sad to report I haven’t ticked any off my list yet. This definitely stings! While Tom and I have done some exploring out in the park, we haven’t done any of those intentional, big-hike days I dreamed of. However, we have officially passed the shortest day of the year, which means the days are finally getting longer. More daylight = more time for trail magic. I’m hoping to find another event to sign up for soon to get me back out there.
Running the Numbers
I’ve clocked 715km since January 1st. I’ll be honest: I’m currently under the target for my 1500km goal. To get back on track, I’d need to hit 130km a month, or about 30km a week. It’s highly possible to reach that number, but I think what I really need is a goal race to kick my motivation and training into gear. Any suggestions for a good upcoming race?
Strength & NTC
The NTC workouts are coming along nicely! I’ve finished 20 new workouts so far and have found quite a few new favourites. There is no doubt in my mind that I’ll have this goal finished in the coming weeks.
As for gym gains, progression is happening, even if my ability to do “gym math” is… questionable. Turns out, I didn’t just trap bar deadlift 95kg; I accidentally did 105kg. Then I followed it up with 110kg instead of 100kg. Clearly, I need to work on my multiplication, but the strength gains are real! I’m focusing on good form with reduced weights and higher reps for now to get myself ready for the next level.
The Literary Lunge
My Kobo library is getting a serious workout! Thanks to the “Great Kobo Cull,” I’ve marked off 11 books, plus two DNFs, so 13 down. I’m feeling really good about hitting the full goal by year-end.
My physical library? Well, that’s a different story. I checked Storygraph and realised only two of my reads have been physical copies. Let’s be real: finishing 13 physical books by December isn’t in the cards right now. And you know what? That’s okay. The Kobo is just too convenient—it’s lightweight, and the ability to switch books instantly on a lunch break (which I’ve definitely done!) makes it so easy to keep reading.
Audiobooks are holding steady! I set a sub-goal of one a month, but I also committed to a lofty 200 hours on Storygraph. Having just polished off my 7th, I’m not sure I’ll hit the 200-hour mark, but I’m happily ticking along at one book a month, which is the “savour” goal that matters most.
Kitchen & Crafting Chaos
I haven’t made Mum’s flan or the wontons yet, but I have crossed something major off: Kayla’s blanket version 3.0 is complete! She loves it, though I think the original still holds the sentimental crown.
I also whipped up a skirt out of some leftover fabric. I completely winged it, but Kayla loved it enough to take it with her to Europe! I’ve realised how much I missed sewing. I’ve now set up the iron and board right next to the machine, and—let me tell you—what a game-changer. I never used to iron out my seams, but I finally understand that ironing and sewing are a power couple. I’m planning an op-shop trip soon to find some new fabric and keep the momentum going.
The Sound of 2026
Musical madness has officially ended, along with my deep dive into 26 specific artists and their discographies. I’m currently enjoying a mix of my “last played since 2021” list and seeing what Apple Music’s algorithm suggests for me. I’m also pleased to report my Discovery Station is finally back to its normal, functional self!
Most weekends, Tom and I have been movie-night pros (we save the TV series for weeknights). We take turns picking, which leads to an eclectic mix: some duds, some surprisingly good gems, and some so bad they are fantastic. I’ve also been on a nostalgia kick, rewatching my favourites from my younger years. (Side note: Is it just me, or was early 2000s fashion truly questionable?)
What do you think?
We’re at the halfway point, and while some boxes remain unchecked, I’m proud of the consistency I’ve built. How are your own goals tracking for the year? Have you hit a “halfway” slump, or are you charging ahead? Let me know in the comments!